Monica Film Center
1332 2nd Street
| MAP
Santa Monica,
CA
90401
If driving west on Santa Monica Blvd., turn right on 2nd Street. The theater will be on the west/left side of the street.
We recommend parking in City Parking Structure #4, directly across the street from the theatre. If this lot is full, you can park at the next structure one block north on 2nd Street. The rates are as folows:
Weekdays Weekends
First 90 Minutes Free Free
1.5 to 2.0 hours ....$2.00 .... $2.00
2.0 to 2.5 hours .... $3.50 .... $4.00
2.5 to 3.0 hours .... $5.00 ....$6.00
3.0 to 3.5 hours .... $7.00 ....$8.50
3.5 to 4.0 hours ....$9.00 .... $11.00
4.0 to 4.5 hours .... $11.50 ..$14.00
4.5 to 5.0 hours .... $14.00 ..$17.00
5.0 to 5.5 hours .... $17.00 ..$21.00
5.5 hours or More .. $20.00 .$25.00
Visit Santa Monica's offical Parking Information Page
Theater History
The Monica on 2nd Street has been a fixture in the Santa Monica arts scene for 44 years – first as the “Monica Twin” and since 1981 as the “Monica 4-Plex.”
Now, after a complete rebuild, the venue’s storied past projects to an even brighter future. The newly minted MONICA FILM CENTER features six auditoriums, all with digital projection, wide and plush seating, and optimally proportioned, intimate viewing. Adjacent to the two auditoriums upstairs is a mezzanine lounge. In a first for Laemmle, visitors will be able to order wine and locally-sourced craft beer from the concession stand.
Soon, the facility will also include two restaurants, one on the ground floor and a second on the rooftop deck, the latter featuring an ocean view.
The Monica began its life on February 18th, 1970 as the Monica I & II. Back then almost every movie theater was a single screener, so media articles announcing the opening of the Monica had to explain the idea of having more than one film playing at the same time. The theater was designed with separate bathrooms for each screen, and ropes divided the lobby right down the middle to keep folks from easily switching from one film to the other. Oliver! and Topaz were the opening day attractions.
The larger of the two screens was split three ways in 1981 and the "Monica 4-Plex" was born. It lasted in this incarnation until 2014 when it was closed in anticipation of the coming Monica Film Center.
Disability Services
• Complimentary assistive listening devices available at the box office. A driver's license or state ID is required as deposit.
• Disabled seating and accessible restrooms are available.
Directions
The theater is located on 2nd St., between Santa Monica Blvd., and Arizona Ave. From the 10 Freeway, take the 5th St. exit. Go along 5th St. a few blocks until you hit Santa Monica Blvd., and turn left. Then turn right on 2nd St.
Parking
We recommend parking in City Parking Structure #4, directly across the street from the theatre. If this lot is full, you can park at the next structure one block north on 2nd Street. For rates: Visit Santa Monica's offical Parking Information Page
Nearby Restaurants
- Sugarfish (sushi), 1345 2nd Street
- Thai Dishes, 111 Santa Monica Blvd.
- Ye Olde King's Head (British pub), 116 Santa Monica Blvd.
- Blue Plate Oysterette, 1355 Ocean Ave.
- BOA Steakhouse, 101 Santa Monica Blvd.
- Acadie (crepes), 213 Arizona Ave.
- Gates of India, 115 Santa Monica Blvd.